Projects

Attracting Foreign Investments in Albania

for the Sectors of Agro-processing, Tourism, and ICT was part of a strategic cooperation between the Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA) and Risi Albania, aimed at promoting Albania’s investment potential in three key sectors:

  • Agro-processing
  • Tourism
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The initiative targeted foreign investors seeking opportunities in Albania’s dynamic and evolving market. The project ran from November 2013 to October 2017, with a core mission to enhance youth employment in Albania by fostering job creation and strengthening job intermediation mechanisms for young people.

This joint action was grounded in close collaboration among a broad network of stakeholders, including Albanian local businesses, sectoral business associations, bilateral Chambers of Commerce, the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA), the Ministry of Agriculture, and foreign embassies based in Albania. The project was funded by the Swiss Embassy in Albania and represents a co-financed effort between Risi Albania and FIAA, with Risi Albania serving as the principal supporter.

Risi Albania, a development initiative implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and Partners Albania, with financial support from the Swiss Embassy in Albania.

FIAA (Foreign Investors Association of Albania), established since year 2000, a non-political, non-profit organization representing the largest share of foreign investors operating in Albania. FIAA is widely recognized and respected by both the Albanian government and international institutions. Its mission is to contribute to a more favorable investment climate through open and informal dialogue with public authorities and institutional stakeholders, while cultivating a welcoming and socially conducive environment for foreign investors.

Key Activities

The project implemented a series of targeted activities designed to promote Albania’s investment potential and foster international business engagement, through:

  • Information Sessions with sectoral organizations, local businesses, and foreign embassies in Albania
  • Seminars on Know-How Transfer featuring foreign experts from European countries.
  • Business Travel Routes to selected countries for meetings and investor matchmaking.
  • Business Missions and Thematic Seminars in various cities across Albania.
  • Mapping of Local Capacities and Investment Needs in the Agro-processing and ICT sectors.

Project Deliverables

  • An Informative Booklet on Albania’s overall business climate.
  • Sectoral Brochures highlighting investment opportunities in Agro-processing, Tourism, and ICT.
  • Interactive Online Portal to centralize information and respond to investor inquiries.

The Main Results achieved are:

  • An increased number of Investors in Albania in the defined sectors.
  • A rich database of the Foreign Investors Interested to invest in Albania or at least have information on the Albanian market.
  • An online Portal responsive to Eventual Demands (local and foreign interests).
  • Updated brochures with sectoral potentials data and guides on investing in Albania.

FIAA’s Role

As the lead implementing partner selected by Risi Albania, the Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA) facilitated and promoted the initiative by leveraging its extensive experience and well-established networks both within Albania and internationally. FIAA served as the central coordinator, ensuring strategic outreach, stakeholder engagement, and effective execution of project activities.

Stakeholders’ Role

A broad coalition of stakeholders-including local businesses, business associations, bilateral chambers, government institutions, and foreign embassies was invited to collaborate in this initiative. Their active participation and mutual exchange of information have been essential to achieving shared benefits and advancing Albania’s investment climate.

Risi Albania’s Role

Risi Albania not only co-led efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Agro-processing, Tourism, and ICT sectors, but also supported FIAA in building long-term sustainability in this new strategic direction. The initiative was designed to become self-sustaining beyond the duration of the joint cooperation.